Take a Peek Inside This English Countryside Cathedral's Christmas Service for Pets

Every year at Truro Cathedral in Cornwall, England, hundreds of two- and four-legged friends gather for the Children and Pets Carol Service—a heartwarming and sometimes raucous event that is always a howling success.

Andrew Montgomery

By
Emma Pritchard

Dec 18, 2015

"Come one, come all" is the motto of Truro's Cathedral's annual Children and Pets Carol Service, and, looking around the cobbled courtyard in front of the imposing Victorian venue, it's fair to say that it's a sentiment very much embraced by the community. Gathered in the winter sunshine, wrapped up against the December chill, families, couples, and individuals wait in anticipation, brought together by the animals around them.

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Pets In Pews

Andrew Montgomery

Founded in 1880 and completed in 1910, Truro Cathedral was the first to be built on a new site in England since Salisbury in 1220—an achievement largely credited to its first bishop, Edward White Benson. Four-, two- and no-legged animals have been allowed inside its Cornish granite walls for around 55 years following a brainwave by then-dean Henry Lloyd.

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Truro Cathedral

Andrew Montgomery

For Dean Roger Bush, who has been involved with the service for 11 years, it is a particular highlight of the cathedral's calendar. "The clergy can come across as earnest or pie-faced," he says. "But this occasion provides us with a platform to be a bit frivolous, but still serious about what our animals do give us: total and instinctive love. The British are always said to be sentimental about their pets, but I think we've just got our eyes open; the relationship between people and their animals is a very significant one.

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Festive Spirit

Andrew Montgomery

"I've been coming for four years," says Yvonne Watson, whose Tibetan spaniel Wolfy is making friends with Diesel, the retired greyhound next to him, clearly curious about the festive fleece, reindeer antlers, and leg warmers he's wearing. "as well as being fun for us, it's a chance for our animals to get into the festive spirit, too."

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Feline Friends

Andrew Montgomery

The same goes for Beverley and Peter Hulme who, for the past two years, have been bringing along their cats—pedigree Maine Coon Rufus and Thomas, a black-and-white stray who adopted them one Christmas. "It's such a beautiful event," Beverley says

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A Novel Occurrence

Andrew Montgomery

Although not an original idea—pets have been celebrated by churches down the centuries—for a cathedral, the service was a fairly novel occurrence. The first one drew around 100 visitors from Truro and the surrounding area; the next almost 150; and so the event has continued to grow, with numbers reaching nearly 600 last year, with people traveling not only from Cornwall, but from throughout southwest England and even abroad.

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Llamas, Donkeys, and Chickens

Andrew Montgomery

"We never know from one year to the next what we'll have, but that's part of the fun," Dean Rogers adds. "We've had llamas, donkeys, lizards, and chickens, and one lady usually arrives with her cockatoo. No one ever gets turned away."

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A Cacophony of Barks and Mews

Andrew Montgomery

Once the cathedral fills up, an experienced team of vergers is rushing around setting out more chairs and mopping up the minimal accidents from the more excitable or young pets. The friendly chatter of returning visitors and the inquisitive babble of new ones mingles with a cacophony of barks, mews, and rustling packets of pet treats. Then Dean Rogers steps up the lectern, tests the microphone and a stillness settles over the crowd. "First, a notice to pets: make sure your owners are well behaved!" he says.

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A Lively Congregation

Andrew Montgomery

The congregation starts to sing as the organ strikes the first chord of "While the Shepherds Watched Their Flocks." It's a cue, too, for the animal members to participate, and although many do remain sitting quietly, a number join in—a howl comes from a Dalmatian during each chorus, while a black Labrador is cheerfully vocal throughout. The result, although unusual, is overwhelmingly joyous. "Leading up to Christmas, there are lots of formal services, which is right and proper," Dean Rogers says. "But this is one where we can relax, and if something goes slightly awry, it doesn't matter.

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The Blessing

Andrew Montgomery

The worshippers are also invited to come forward and be blessed; and so begins a procession, reminiscent of Noah's Ark, as children and owners lead their dogs, and bring pet carriers containing cats, hamsters, and guinea pigs up the front of the church. "It's a chance for everyone to participate in the service," Dean Rogers says.

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Furry Friends

Andrew Montgomery

However, a few people remain seated, today, without a pet. "We all have to say goodbye to our animals at some point, and this service can provide an opportunity to thank God for the lovely time we've had with them," Dean Rogers explains. "I remember a lady who used to attend every year with her dog; then one year she as alone. Being among other pet owners gave her solace."

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What Christmas Is All About

Andrew Montgomery

As the service comes to a close, Dean Rogers casts his eye over the throng and smiles. Another successful year. He'll go home to his own dog, a 13-year-old Border collie named Maggie, and take her for a country walk. Unusually for a newer style of event, he observes, the Children and Pets Carol Service has never attracted a critical word. And it's easy to see why: "Animals bring pets together from all walks of life, and that, surely, is what Christmas is all about."

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